ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs conducts Special Swachhta Campaign 2.0
“Aranya” wildlife gallery by Delhi Customs part of Best Practices being carried out across country
Revenue Secretary and Pune Customs officials clean Ratnagiri Beach and Customs Floating Jetty as part of campaign
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes  is participating with great vigour in the Special Campaign on Disposal of Pending Matters , 2.0 from 2nd October to 31st October, 2022. The special focus of the campaign is disposal of VIP references and Public Grievances. 23  VIP references, more than 722 Public Grievances and more than 120 Public Grievance Appeals have been disposed off till date.
Moreover, a nation-wide cleanliness drive is being organised across all field offices of CBIC. Already, 1,344 outdoor campaigns have been conducted so far. This is more than twice the number conducted last year.
In the year 2021-22, as part of the of approx. 5.8 lakh files were reviewed, out of which approx. 3.8 lakh files were ultimately weeded out. Over the course of the year, due to continuing efforts CBIC has largely shifted over to eOffice. Due to this number of physical files remaining is very less and process of reviewing it is ongoing. This year approx 64,000 files have been reviewed so far, out of which approx. 20,000 files have already been weeded out.
Another area of focus identified was Disposal of Scrap. In the year 2021-22 approx. 37,000 sq. ft. was cleared of scrap. This year CBIC has already cleared out approximately 22,000 sq. ft. has already been cleared out and efforts for freeing up additional space is underway.
With a view towards enhancing the quality of public spaces in CBIC offices Delhi Customs created a wildlife gallery, “Aranya” in the corridors of second floor, New Customs House, New Delhi and inaugurated by Chairman CBIC Sh. Vivek Johri on October 7, 2022. The gallery showcases efforts of Indian Customs as protectors of wildlife as well as ensuring cleanliness and celebrating the spirit of Swachhta as part of ongoing #SpecialCampaign2.0. This has been highlighted as one of the best practices of the department.
In a special effort, Revenue Secretary Sh. Tarun Bajaj along with Sh. S.M. Tata, Chief Commissioner, CGST & Customs Pune Zone and other senior officers of the zone participated in a drive to clean the Ratnagiri Beach and Customs Floating Jetty on October 13, 2022. The beach was cleaned of a sizeable quantity of the plastic and other wastes as a result of the Special Drive.
Further, Sh. V Srinivas, Secretary DARPG & DoPW visited the GST Bhawan, Guwahati and reviewed the progress of Special Campaign 2.0 with the officers of the zone. Extensive cleanliness efforts carried out in CGST and Customs Zone, Guwahati has resulted in creation of about 6,000 sqft. of additional office space. Secretary along with Sh. Ashutosh Awasthi, Chief Commissioner and senior officers of the zone also participated in file shredding exercise at the GST Bhawan.
CBIC remains committed to ensuring cleanliness and enhancing the quality of public spaces maintained by it.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Government releases second advance estimate of area and production of horticultural crops for the year 2020-21
Highest ever horticulture production in the country at 329.86 million tonnes
This is the result of farmer-friendly policies of the government, hard work of farmers and research of scientists, says Shri Narendra Singh Tomar
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the second advance estimates of area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2020-21 based on information received from the States/UTs and other government source agencies. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar informed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the farmer-friendly policies of the government, tireless efforts of farmers and research of scientists resulted in horticulture production of 329.86 million tonnes in the year 2020-21. The production estimates are highest so far and it reflects an increase of 9.39 million tonnes  in comparison to 2019-20.
Union Minister Shri Tomar informed that according to the second advance estimate of area and production of horticulture crops, the production of fruits is estimated to be 102.76 million tonnes this year as compared to 102.08 million tonnes achieved in the year 2019-20. The production of vegetables is estimated to be 196.27 million tonnes  as compared to 188.28 million tonnes in the previous year.
The production of onion is estimated to be 26.92 million tonnes as compared to 26.09 million tonnes achieved in the year 2019-20. Similarly, potato production is estimated to be 53.69 million tonnes  as compared to 48.56 million tonnes in the year 2019-20. Tomato production is reported to be 21.00 million tonnes as compared to 20.55 million tonnes in the year 2019-20. Similarly, aromatic and medicinal crops have registered a growth of 6.11% with estimated production of 0.78 million tonnes this year as compared to 0.73 million tonnes in the year 2019-20. The production of plantation crops has increased to 16.60 million tonnes from 16.12 million tonnes in the previous year. The production of spices has increased to 10.54 million tonnes  in the year 2020-21 as compared to 10.14 million tonnes achieved last year.

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Total Horticulture
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2019-20

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2020-21

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2020-21

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Area
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26.48
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27.08
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27.23
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Production
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320.47
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326.58
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329.86
Click here to see Detailed Cropwise Data of 2020-21 
Click here to see Second Adv Est of 2020-21 of Horticulture
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Union Minister, Piyush Goyal to visit Imphal tomorrow
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal will be visiting Imphal, Manipur tomorrow afternoon.
He is scheduled to inaugurate an Exhibition of Crafts in the evening to mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He will distribute toolkits to artisans and Artisan Pehchan Cards at the event.
Later In the evening, the Minister will have interaction with the representatives of local industry. Before this, there will be a Consultative Committee meeting of the Textiles Ministry.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurate the new Supreme Court Building
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr Pravind Jugnauth, today jointly inaugurated the new Supreme Court building in Mauritius through video conference. The building is the first India assisted infrastructure project within the capital city of Port Louis to be inaugurated after the Covid pandemic. The landmark project has been completed with grant assistance of USD 28.12 million from the Government of India.
Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister Modi noted the importance of human-centric approach as the underlying philosophy of India’s development cooperation and commended the role of people-oriented infrastructure projects in further cementing the close ties between India and Mauritius. The Prime Minister said that the new Supreme Court building with modern design and state-of-the-art facilities will be a fitting seat for the Mauritius judiciary, and a symbol of cooperation as well as shared values of India and Mauritius. He also pointed out that the project had been completed on schedule and at a cost below initial estimates.
Prime Minister Modi said that development cooperation with Mauritius is at the heart of India’s approach to development partnerships. He stressed that India’s development cooperation does not come with any conditions, nor is it influenced by any political or commercial considerations. India’s core principle for development cooperation is respect for our partners and the central motivation is sharing of our development lessons. This, he emphasized, distinguishes the Indian development cooperation as marked by the core values of ‘Respect’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Care for the Future’, and ‘Sustainable Development’.
Noting that India takes pride in the achievements of the people of Mauritius, Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that the India-Mauritius partnership is destined to soar even higher in the coming years.
Prime Minister Jugnauth expressed his deep appreciation for India’s support for the project as reflective of the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the construction of the Supreme Court Building with Indian assistance is a new milestone in the modernization of infrastructure in Mauritius and will help make the Mauritius justice system more efficient, accessible and inclusive.
In line with India’s vision of ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, the new Supreme Court building demonstrates India’s role as a reliable partner of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean region as also India’s steadfast commitment to strengthen the future-oriented partnership between the two countries.
Ministry of Defence
242nd CORPS OF ENGINEERS DAY: COLLEGE OF MILITARY ENGINEERING PUNE
College of Military Engineering  Pune, the alma mater of The Corps of Engineers along with serving and veteran sapper officers based in Pune celebrated the 242nd Corps of Engineers Day on18th November 2022. A solemn ceremony of wreath laying on behalf of all veterans and serving Sappers was organised at the Southern Command, War Memorial Pune to pay obeisance to the Fallen Heroes of the Corps. Lt Gen PP Malhotra, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, CME and Lt Gen BT Pandit, PVSM, VrC  laid wreaths on behalf of the serving and veteran fraternity, in remembrance of the brave sappers, who made the supreme sacrifice for the country. A Special Sainik Sammelan was also conducted on 17th November 2022 by Commandant, CME for all ranks of the College, where he urged everyone to strive for professional competence and technical excellence so as to render effective Combat Engineering support, both in peace and war.
Sappers have a glorious and an enviable history dating back from mid 18th Century. The Corps officially recognises its raising year as 1780 when the senior-most of the Corps, The Madras Sappers, were raised. Subsequently, the Groups of The Bengal Sappers and The Bombay Sappers were formed in their respective Presidencies. All the three Engineer Groups were later merged to form The Corps of Engineers, on 18th November 1932. This day therefore, is revered and celebrated every year as ‘The Corps of Engineers Day’. The Corps and the Sappers have performed admirably in providing combat engineering support and infrastructure development for the services and contributed immensely towards the nation building.
The Corps of Engineers, besides its primary operational role of rendering close combat engineering support, has made an indelible mark in infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance in disaster relief and in digital survey& mapping. The Corps of Engineers is proud to have its four pillars -Combat Engineers, Military Engineering Services, Border Roads Organisation and Military Survey exhibiting outstanding professional acumens in each of their domains.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  launches another funding scheme to help the distressed MSME sector
The Scheme will provide Rs. 20,000 crore of guarantee cover to two lakh MSMEs.
This is a sub-debt facility to the promoters of those operational MSMEs which are distressed or NPA
Minister of MSME, Shri Nitin Gadkari today launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Sub-ordinate Debt  which is also called “Distressed Assets Fund–Sub-ordinate Debt for MSMEs”.
As per the Scheme, the guarantee cover worth Rs. 20,000 crores will be provided to the promoters who can take debt from the banks to further invest in their stressed MSMEs as equity.
It was being felt that the biggest challenge for stressed MSMEs was in getting capital either in the form of debt or equity. Therefore, as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package, on 13th May, 2020, Finance Minister had announced this scheme of sub-ordinate Debt to the promoters of operational but stressed MSMEs. After completion of necessary formalities including approval of CCEA and consultation with Finance Ministry, SIDBI and RBI among others, the scheme was formally launched today by Shri Gadakari from Nagpur.
The highlights of the scheme are:
- This Scheme seeks to extend support to the promoter of the operational MSMEs which are stressed and have become NPA as on 30th April, 2020;
- Promoter of the MSMEs will be given credit equal to 15% of their stake  or Rs. 75 lakh whichever is lower;
- Promoter in turn will infuse this amount in the MSME unit as equity and thereby enhance the liquidity and maintain debt-equity ratio;
- 90% guarantee coverage for this sub-debt will be given under the Scheme and 10% would come from the concerned promoters;
- There will be a moratorium of 7 years on payment of principal whereas maximum tenor for repayment will be 10 years.
It is expected that this scheme would provide much required support to around 2 lakh MSMEs and will help in reviving the economic activity in and through this sector. It will also help in protecting the livelihoods and jobs of millions of people who depend on them. Promoter of MSMEs meeting the eligibility criteria may approach any scheduled commercial banks to avail benefit under the scheme. The scheme will be operationalised through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSEs . Necessary guidelines alongwith answers to possible FAQs have been issued today and made public in this regard.
On this occasion, Shri Nitin Gadkari thanked the Prime Minister and Finance Minister for this Scheme. He also thanked the officials of Department of Expenditure, Department of Financial Services and Governor of RBI for supporting this innovative Scheme of the Ministry.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Diego Maradona
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Diego Maradona.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Diego Maradona was a maestro of football, who enjoyed global popularity. Throughout his career, he gave us some of the best sporting moments on the football field. His untimely demise has saddened us all. May his soul rest in peace."
Ministry of Civil Aviation
86 airports using green energy in the country
• Share of green energy in 55 airport’s total energy consumption is 100%
• Airports across the globe are continuously focusing on use of renewable/green energy
Presently, 86 airports across the country are using green energy out of which share of green energy in airport's total energy consumption is 100% for 55 airports. List of these airports is at Annexure.
However, use of conventional sources of energy is the prime source of carbon emission at airports and thus replacing non-renewable energy with green energy helps in reducing the carbon footprint of the airport. Therefore, MoCA has advised all the operational airports with scheduled operations and developers of the upcoming Greenfield Airports to work towards achieving Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero which inter-alia includes use of green energy.
Airports across the globe are continuously focusing on use of renewable/green energy. As per the Accreditation programme of the Airports Council International , airports like Heathrow, Bristol & London Gatwick in United Kingdom , Amsterdam in Netherland, Athens in Greece, Oslo in Norway, Brussels in Belgium, Budapest in Hungary, Copenhagen in Denmark, San Diego in United States, Vancouver in Canada, Sharjah in United Arab Emirates etc. have achieved Carbon Neutrality by using a series of measures which also include use of green/renewable energy.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM gets second dose of COVID-19 vaccine
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today took second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
In a tweet Shri Modi said "Got my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS today.
Vaccination is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus.
If you are eligible for the vaccine, get your shot soon. Register on CoWin.gov.in."
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Sub-Committee of Insolvency Law Committee recommended IBC pre-pack framework
The Government constituted a sub-committee of Insolvency Law Committee  vide order dated 24th June, 2020 under the chairmanship of Dr. M. S. Sahoo, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India  to make recommendation on pre-pack insolvency resolution process .
This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The sub-committee has recently submitted its report to the Government, which is available on the website of IBBI , thereby recommending a pre-pack framework within the basic structure of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code , 2016.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution sends letters to Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs; requests personal intervention to include all eligible disabled persons under the National Food Security Act 2013
The Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has sent letters to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories requesting them to ensure that all eligible disabled persons are included under the National Food Security Act 2013. The Chief Secretaries have been requested to personally intervene in the matter and direct the concerned Departments/officials and especially District Administrations to ensure that appropriate mechanism is put in place and whole machinery is mobilised in mission mode for compliance of directions made by the Department of Food and Public Distribution to States Governments/UTs.
Earlier, directions were issued to States/UTs vide letter dated August 22, 2020. The Department of Food & Public Distribution advised all States/UTs to ensure that all disabled persons, who are eligible as per identification criteria of beneficiaries under NFSA, are covered under the National Food Security Act 2013 and they get their entitled quota of food grains under NFSA & PMGKAY as per provisions of the Act.
It was also stated in the letter dated August 22, 2020 that those not already covered should be covered with fresh ration cards to be issued as per the eligibility criteria. It is also reiterated that disability is one of the criteria for inclusion of beneficiaries under AAY households and as disabled persons are vulnerable section of the society. The letter further advised that it is imperative that they are also covered by States/UTs under the priority households as per the criteria of identification evolved by them.
The Section 38 of the National Food Security Act mandates that the Central Government may from time to time give directions to the State Governments for effective implementation of the provisions of the Act.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizer to inaugurate the 11th edition of India Chem-2021 on 17th March 2021
Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizer will inaugurate 11th edition of India Chem-2021 on 17th March 2021 in the presence of Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways  and Chemicals & Fertilizers.
India Chem is one of the largest composite events of the chemical and petrochemical sector in the Asia-Pacific Region. Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, in association with FICCI, is organizing the 11th edition of India Chem- 2021 during 17-19th March 2021 in New Delhi.
During the India Chem-2021, events such as Global CEOs Round Table, Conclave on Global Chemical Industry: Special focus on Specialty Chemicals, Conclave on Global Petrochemical Industry in collaboration with GCC, Conclave on Global Agrochemical Industry, Capital Goods, Plant Machinery, Pumps & Valves and Processes Roundtable will be organised.
On 19th March, 2021, three bilateral events namely  India-Japan Chemical and Petrochemical Forum  India-EU Chemical and Petrochemical Forum and  India-US Chemical and Petrochemical Forum will be organized with the objective to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities in the sector.
India Chem-2021 with the theme of “India: Global Manufacturing Hub for Chemicals and Petrochemicals” will showcase tremendous potential and supportive government policy for sustainable growth in the sector and provide a platform for domestic and international investors and other stakeholders to interact and forge alliances. This mega event will highlight the investment potential in Indian Chemicals & Petrochemicals Industry especially in Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions  to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with business leaders in Mumbai
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met and interacted with business leaders in Mumbai. 41 business leaders representing a wide spectrum of the Indian economy were present at the interaction.
The policy reforms and initiatives taken by the Union Government over the last four years came up for elaborate discussion in the course of over two hours. Industry's contribution to economic growth and development was also discussed.
Several representatives from Industry appreciated the improvement in the business environment in the country, and said this would lead to realization of India’s growth potential. They endorsed the Prime Minister's vision of New India.
The Prime Minister spoke of his recent discussions with startups and entrepreneurs. He said a positive mindset, and a "can do" spirit is now pervading the country. He urged the corporate sector to invest in a big way, especially in the agriculture sector.
Emphasizing on the need to promote domestic manufacturing, he spoke of the need to boost production in areas such as medical devices, electronics and defence equipment.
Earlier, Finance Minister Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted the initiatives taken by the Union Government in the last four years, to steer the economy of India to a higher trajectory. He spoke of policy initiatives, holistic approaches to development, spirit of innovation, and technology.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- Over 136 core vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 86,415
- Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.25%; Lowest since March 2020
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.38%; Highest since March 2020
- 7,886 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,41,62,765
- 7,447 new cases in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 74 days
- Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 33 days
- 66.15 cr Total Tests conducted so far
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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA